The Crossbill News Desk
A self-styled godman who once held a position in a reputed religious institution is under police scrutiny after multiple female students from a management institute in Delhi accused him of sexual harassment.
The accused, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati — formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy — has been absconding despite police raids and surveillance.
According to officials, Saraswati served as a sanchalak (management committee member) at the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in southwest Delhi, news agency PTI reported.
During the investigation, police recovered a Volvo car with a forged diplomatic number plate — 39 UN 1 — from the institute’s basement, which was allegedly used by him.
This is not the first time the godman has faced such charges. Police records show a case of fraud and molestation was lodged against him at the Defence Colony Police Station in 2009, followed by another molestation complaint at Vasant Kunj Police Station in 2016. In the latest case, filed on August 4 at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, 32 PGDM students on EWS scholarships gave statements, with 17 alleging Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted advances.
Investigators also revealed that three female faculty members and administrators allegedly supported Saraswati by pressuring students to comply with his demands.
“Their role is currently under investigation, and the full extent of their involvement will be determined once Saraswati is apprehended,” an officer told PTI.
A case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered, and 16 victims have testified before a magistrate. Police have also seized the Volvo with the diplomatic plate and filed a second FIR on August 25.
Meanwhile, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, Karnataka, issued a public statement distancing itself from Saraswati.
“The public is hereby informed that Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami (Dr.) Parthasarathy has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri (Peetham). As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him,” the statement said.
It added that the Peetham has also filed complaints against him with the concerned authorities. The statement further clarified that the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved the running of the Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research in New Delhi under the Peetham, which is administered by a Governing Council led by educationist Dr Krishna Venkatesh.
“The Governing Council is actively taking steps to ensure the welfare of students and to prevent any disruption to the ongoing educational programmes,” it said.
Police said multiple teams are working to trace Saraswati, with strict monitoring at airports to prevent his escape abroad. Sources revealed his last known location was in Agra, where raids have been conducted. Investigators have collected CCTV footage, call records, and digital evidence, including SMS and chat logs, which are being cross-verified with victims’ testimonies.
Originally from Odisha, Saraswati had been living in a Delhi ashram for the past 12 years, where he functioned as caretaker and operator. Police believe his extensive network across states has enabled him to evade arrest despite intensive efforts.
The accused, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati — formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy — has been absconding despite police raids and surveillance.
According to officials, Saraswati served as a sanchalak (management committee member) at the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management in southwest Delhi, news agency PTI reported.
During the investigation, police recovered a Volvo car with a forged diplomatic number plate — 39 UN 1 — from the institute’s basement, which was allegedly used by him.
This is not the first time the godman has faced such charges. Police records show a case of fraud and molestation was lodged against him at the Defence Colony Police Station in 2009, followed by another molestation complaint at Vasant Kunj Police Station in 2016. In the latest case, filed on August 4 at Vasant Kunj North Police Station, 32 PGDM students on EWS scholarships gave statements, with 17 alleging Saraswati used abusive language, sent obscene messages, and made unwanted advances.
Investigators also revealed that three female faculty members and administrators allegedly supported Saraswati by pressuring students to comply with his demands.
“Their role is currently under investigation, and the full extent of their involvement will be determined once Saraswati is apprehended,” an officer told PTI.
A case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita has been registered, and 16 victims have testified before a magistrate. Police have also seized the Volvo with the diplomatic plate and filed a second FIR on August 25.
Meanwhile, the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham in Sringeri, Karnataka, issued a public statement distancing itself from Saraswati.
“The public is hereby informed that Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami (Dr.) Parthasarathy has engaged in activities that are illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri (Peetham). As a result, the Peetham has severed all ties with him,” the statement said.
It added that the Peetham has also filed complaints against him with the concerned authorities. The statement further clarified that the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has approved the running of the Sri Sharadha Institute of Indian Management-Research in New Delhi under the Peetham, which is administered by a Governing Council led by educationist Dr Krishna Venkatesh.
“The Governing Council is actively taking steps to ensure the welfare of students and to prevent any disruption to the ongoing educational programmes,” it said.
Police said multiple teams are working to trace Saraswati, with strict monitoring at airports to prevent his escape abroad. Sources revealed his last known location was in Agra, where raids have been conducted. Investigators have collected CCTV footage, call records, and digital evidence, including SMS and chat logs, which are being cross-verified with victims’ testimonies.
Originally from Odisha, Saraswati had been living in a Delhi ashram for the past 12 years, where he functioned as caretaker and operator. Police believe his extensive network across states has enabled him to evade arrest despite intensive efforts.
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